Jillicious Reading: All the Bright Places

All the Bright Places
by Jennifer Niven

Summary: Theodore Finch. He is a tortured soul, completely obsessed with death.  Everyday he thinks of ways he might die, but also desperately seeks something -  anything - that will keep him here. 

Violet Markey. She is struggling to make it through each day without her sister.  She is counting down the days until graduation when she can get out of her town and begin to live again, away from the memories and the pain.  

And, then Finch and Violet meet.  On the ledge of the bell tower at school. One rescues the other, and a relationship begins that changes everyone's' lives forever.  

Thoughts:  All the Bright Places grabs you from page 1 and never lets go.  Teens Finch and Violet are both seriously struggling.  Finch is an outsider.  Getting up, making it through the day, and finding a reason to do it again the next is a constant challenge.  Violet's struggle is new.  It began when her sister died in a car accident in which Violet was a passenger and survived.  Everyone wants her to start moving on, getting back into life.  But she just can't do it.  Being a sole survivor is incredibly difficult, and Violet is consumed by guilt.  When the two meet, both find a kindred spirit that neither expected, but is exactly who both need. 

This powerful novel and these afflicted characters are unforgettable.  Inspired from events from her own high school experience, Jennifer Niven tells a story that is gripping, honest, and completely heart-breaking.  It explores these teens' struggle to truly live as well as navigating difficult family relationships and intense first love.  It inspires readers to look for the bright places in their lives and to also look for those around them who might be silently suffering.  Get your tissues (and your Post-its!) ready. This one will touch your heart forever.  

Read All the Bright Places if you ... 

• enjoyed The Fault in Our Stars, Eleanor and Park, Thirteen Reasons Why or If I Stay 
• have lost someone close to you
• sometimes feel lost - or like a "weary traveler" - in this world
• are a tortured soul or commiserate with those who are
• you remember (or dream of!) your first true love

Click here to read more about All the Bright Places, Jennifer Niven, and her critically-acclaimed books published for adults. 

Note: The movie rights of All the Bright Places have already been sold, and Elle Fanning has been cast to play Violet!  

I created a wall of some of my bright places and was honored that author Jennifer Niven added it to her blog!  :) 

Jillicious Reading: To All the Boys I've Loved Before

To All The Boys I've Loved Before
by Jenny Han

Summary:  Lara Jean has never really dated.  But, she has loved several boys who, unknowingly, have broken her heart.  She writes to each, pouring out her soul in letters that she never mails; all notes are kept safely in a hatbox under her bed.  Until one day the secret letters are mysteriously mailed.  Suddenly, eyes that were never meant to see the letters are exactly the ones who receive them. Overnight Lara Jean's very private love life becomes very public, and she is forced to deal with the mess. 

Thoughts:  This is a delicious novel, and I just gobbled it up.  It is a romance, but it also tackles important themes of family relationships, loss, and identity with the perfect combination of depth and humor. 

Lara Jean is the middle daughter of three who lost their mother at a young age.  The oldest, Margot, is going away to college and the family is dealing with this change.  Skilled author Jenny Han explores the complicated relationships of the sisters - their strong bond as they care for each other and their father, but also the added pressures they put on one another in the absence of their mother.  

The debacle of the mailed letters is a creative premise.  It brings different characters into Lara Jean's life, forces her to face her feelings, and allows her to begin to realize who she really is.  Han works it all adeptly, not bringing in too many past loves, and perfectly pacing the chaos with character development and self-discovery.  The boys are believable, intriguing characters, full of personality and surprises. The youngest sister, Kitty, brings additional humor and heart to the story.  The result is a delightful novel that explores what happens when one is faced with the truth and new possibilities. 

Read To All the Boys I've Loved Before if you ... 

• enjoyed Jenny Han's previous writing
• like books by Stephanie Perkins or Lindsey Leavitt
• have ever had a secret crush
• have a sister 
• have a complicated family relationship 
• wonder what would happen if your private thoughts were made public! Gasp!

Click here to read more about the hilarious Jenny Han, To All the Boys I've Loved Before, and her other novels.  

SPOILER ALERT:  Ms. Han has already announced that there will be a sequel, P.S. I Still Love You. (Thank goodness!!)   I can hardly wait, and, judging from the Good Reads page, I am not the only one.  Many other fans are feeling equally tortured having to wait until 2015 for the story to continue!  But don't visit the page until you've finished the first novel.  :) 

Jillicious Reading: The Winner's Curse

The Winner's Curse
by Marie Rutkoski

Summary: Kestrel is the daughter of the general, part of the aristocracy.  She is used to winning and to getting what she wants.  On a whim, she purchases a slave, Arin, in an auction.  It is not long before he starts to change the way Kestrel thinks, the way she sees the world, the way she feels about everything.  But Arin is not what he seems.   

Thoughts: The Winner's Curse is a completely enthralling novel. It pulled me in from the very beginning because of its originality.... a world of indulgent aristocrats, a conquered people-turned-slaves, and a society that values military strategy and prowess in combat over the arts.  

Kestrel is passionate about music, but it is not seen as a worthy pursuit of the upper class.  Her father insists that she join the military or get married, so she looks for ways to exert control in her life.  This is quickly lost when her world is turned upside down.  The novel is lush and intoxicating, pulling the reader into a world of high society, political intrigue, secrets, forbidden love, and betrayal.  Kestrel and Arin are complex, well-developed characters, both full of surprises.  I look forward to their continued story in the next two books of the trilogy.                

Read The Winner's Curse if you ...

• like books that pull you into a completely different, fully imagined new world
• liked the Incarceron series by Catherine Fisher, the Shadow and Bone series by Leigh Bardugo or For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund
  
• look for atmospheric novels with a unique feel
• enjoy stories with unexpected plot twists and turns
• love stories of star-crossed love!  :)

Click here to read more about The Winner's Trilogy and author Marie Rutkoski. 

Jillicious Reading: Beach Reads

Beaches, summer, romance ...  all things I love and all elements of a good beach read.  Here are a few I enjoyed this summer while sunning at the beach ....   :)  

Nantucket Blue
by Leila Howland

Summary:  Cricket is elated when her best friend Jules asks her to spend the summer on Nantucket with her family.  Cricket adores the Claytons and is thrilled about the possibilities of the months ahead ... particularly since her longtime crush Jay Logan will also be summering on the island. But an unexpected tragedy changes everyone's plans. Cricket is still determined to spend her summer on Nantucket; but when she gets there, nothing turns out like she planned.

Thoughts: I must start by saying that I love Nantucket.  The grey shingled houses, the bursting blue hydrangea, the idyllic main street, lobster rolls ... it's like a postcard come to life.  I wish I could afford to summer there myself!  So, I was already excited about this book just because of the setting. And, author Leila Howland does an incredible job recreating this magical place, taking the reader right to the

quaint streets and sandy shores of Nantucket.  

But, I was surprised by the story.  It's a summer romance, but has a lot more depth and plot development than I expected.  I fell in love with the interesting cast of characters including Cricket, her family, and the many people she meets on the island.  The novel explores the challenges of friendship, family relationships, loss, and self-discovery in addition to navigating first love. I really enjoyed this book and immediately treated myself to the juicy sequel, Nantucket Red!   

I recommend the book duo to anyone looking for good beach reads, hoping to be transported to a picturesque summer town, or seeking a compelling story about figuring out who you are and who you really belong with in the world.  
  

Broken Hearts, Fences, and Other Things to Mend
by Katie Finn


Summary: Gemma is looking forward to the summer ahead and having time to spend with her perfect boyfriend, Teddy.  But when Teddy shocks her with a sudden breakup, she is devastated. Instead of traveling across the world with him, she ends up in the Hamptons with her father. The Hamptons is an amazing destination, to be sure, but it's also the place where Gemma must face her past and a friend she betrayed years ago. She wants to make things right; but a case of mistaken identity, an unforgettable, cute boy on the train, and the effort of keeping up a charade creates one complicated summer.


Thoughts: As soon as I heard Katie Finn is another pen name for author Morgan Matson, I was totally in.  I loved Matson's Second Chance Summer and was eager to try another novel

Photo: Long Island CVB

by her.  I also liked that this story was set in the Hamptons; it sounded like the perfect book for my beach bag! 

After I started, though, I wasn't sure about the mistaken identity storyline.  I don't always like excessive hijinks.  ;)  But, I did like the characters and felt the story had heart and promise.  Gemma is a funny, engaging character.  Nothing goes her way, and although her case is extreme, I think we can all relate to those times when things seem to be falling apart around us.  

I am really glad I stuck with the novel.  It's humorous, takes an interesting turn, and leaves the reader eager for the next book in the series, Revenge, Ice Cream, and Other Things Best Served Cold (which comes out next spring).    
  
The author's Second Chance Summer is also a summer story, but it's a heavier drama dealing with intense loss and grief as well as finding love.  Although lighter, Broken Hearts, Fences, and Others Things to Mend does explore important themes of friendship, trust, betrayal, and family relationships.  I would recommend it to someone looking for a fun summer read, someone who can relate to having made mistakes and living with regrets, or someone looking for a book with humor and heart. 

Jillicious Reading: Grandmaster

Grandmaster
by David Klass

Summary: Freshman Daniel hasn't really found his place at school.  He doesn't seem to fit in anywhere and just tries to fly under the radar.  A mediocre player on the team's prestigious chess club, Daniel is surprised to be asked by the two senior co-captains to join them and their fathers at a weekend father-son tournament.  To his further amazement, Daniel then learns the truth. His father - a reserved, accountant - was actually a chess prodigy at the age of 16 and earned the ranking of Grandmaster.  When his father agrees to return to the game 30 years later and accompany Daniel to the tournament, the six man team is in for a weekend none of them expected.

Thoughts: Grandmaster is a fast-paced, compelling novel that keeps the reader engaged like a spy thriller or intense sports match.  I am not a chess player, and I was completely on the edge of my seat during the tournament scenes.  The book includes enough chess to satisfy those who do play, but not too much to overwhelm the novice or non-player.  What keeps the story captivating is the characters.  They are interesting, flawed and believable.  Main character Daniel is a likeable kid, and readers can relate to his desire to fit in at school.  His father is also an interesting character as he faces his past demons and reveals his former life to his son.  I really enjoyed the development of the relationship between these two as Daniel learns more about his father and starts to reorder his priorities.  I also liked the addition of Liu, a spunky girl who competes with her mother.  She brings out a different side of Daniel and adds some pluck and humor to the story.  If you see Grandmaster and expect it to be a boring book about chess, you would be grandly mistaken. 

Read Grandmaster if you  ...

• like chess
• don't like chess
• enjoy sports fiction with front-row-feeling scenes that pull you into the action and keep you on the edge of your seat
• look for young adult literature with interesting teen and adult characters 

Jillicious Healthy Bites: True Stories from the Holocaust

Stories from the Jewish Holocaust during WW II continue to captivate readers.  As difficult as it is to read about the depths of human evil reached during this time, it is also incredibly inspiring to read of those who held onto hope in horrific circumstances and ultimately survived to tell their story.  It is also so vitally important to read these narratives and remember how simply and subtly these dreadfully evil initiatives began.  

Below are three 2013 releases, two nonfiction and one fiction based on a true story, that tell the hopeful, heroic stories that came from this time of persecution: 

Odette's Secrets
by Maryann MacDonald

Odette's Secrets tells the story of a young Jewish girl living in Paris during the Nazi occupation.  Her father joins the French army, her mother joins the Resistance, and Odette is sent to the French countryside for safety.   

Throughout the frightening time, young Odette is both terrified and confused.  She fears the soldiers, worries about her father, and runs from those who bully her for her yellow star.  She also wonders about her Polish roots, her Jewish faith, and later the Christian values of the foster family that cares for her while she seeks refuge in the country.  She gets used to silently observing, keeping secrets, and hiding in plain sight.  

I never thought of what these young people must have endured as they tried to make sense of the terrifying world around them as well as their own identity.  And what extremes their parents went to for their protection!  This moving novel also shows what the survivors faced when they triumphed over their persecutors, but then tried to return to their homes and to their former lives.

Author Maryann MacDonald was deeply moved by Odette's story and asked her family permission to share her experience in a book for children.  She ultimately chose to tell the story as a first person novel-in-verse instead of a factual biography to allow a more intimate view into the young poet-to-be's thoughts and feelings.  The result is a accessible, personal narrative that immediately pulls the reader into Paris in 1942 and provides another perspective from this time.
Odette's Secrets is a selection on the 2014-2015 Texas Bluebonnet List.

 

The Boy on the Wooden Box 
by Leon Leyson

Leon Leyson was the youngest survivor on what became the world famous "Schindler's List." This memoir tells how Leyson's life went from a happy childhood to a terrible nightmare at the hand of the Nazis and their occupation of his Polish homeland.  Leon's family was forced to move to the Krakow ghetto, but through determination, luck, and ultimately the attention of the man named Oskar Schindler,  Leon, his parents and a few of his siblings' avoided placement in the horrific concentration camps. 

Constructed from Leyson's personal notes and speeches, The Boy on the Wooden Box tells of how he survived in Schindler's factory with almost nothing to eat but holding onto hope and believing in Oskar Schindler, who became his lifelong hero.  Leyson tale's is honest and reflective, but told without bitterness and hatred.  It is a powerful, moving memoir that celebrates the risks taken and the perseverance necessary to survive during this time of persecution.

 The Boy on the Wooden Box is a title on the 2014 Texas Lone Star Reading List.

The Nazi Hunters: How a Team of Spies and Survivors Captured the World's Most Notorious Nazi
by Neal Bascomb

After WWII ended, one of the highest ranking Nazi officers, Adolf Eichmann, vanished.  Believed to have eradicated over 700,000 Jews from Hungary and to have been responsible for millions of Jewish deaths, Eichmann was a prime war criminal to be brought to justice; but he had not been seen or heard of in years. Until a clue finally surfaces from a blind Argentinean man and his teenage daughter.  Then the manhunt begins. 

The Nazi Hunters tells the riveting true story of how the Eichmann case went from a desire to find the man to promising leads to dead ends to the forming of an elite team of Israeli spies to plan and execute an incredible capture.  This team - all of whom had been directly affected somehow by Eichmann's crimes - would have to secretly enter Argentina, capture Eichmann, and smuggle him out of the country and return him safely to Israel so he could be brought to justice on Israeli soil.   

Neal Bascomb has crafted a work of narrative nonfiction that expertly provides historical facts and reads like a spy novel.  I was on the edge of my seat reading this book!  It is truly fascinating.  The author does an outstanding job of introducing the young, powerful Eichmann, later showing what he has become during his years in hiding and his views of his actions, and finally showing what an impact the time with Eichmann has on his captors.  Bascomb also effectively weaves in the story of an Auschwitz survivor, Zeev Sapir. The reader meets him early in the book when he has an encounter with Eichmann; later Sapir has a chance to testify against Eichmann.  It's quite powerful to see one survivor get to face his tormenter and get to share his story with the world.  Photographs and documents are included throughout the book that add intrigue and authenticity to the captivating account. 

This is a must-read for anyone interested in WWII, Jewish and Holocaust history, narrative nonfiction, and/or page-turning tales of spying and intrigue.          

The Nazi Hunters is a title on the 2014 TAYSHAS Reading List. 

Jillicious Reading: We Were Liars

We Were Liars
by E. Lockhart

Summary: Cadence Sinclair Eastman is the oldest grandchild of the flawless Sinclair family.  Her summers are spent on a private island with her cousins ... her best friends ...and the boy she loves. Together they are The Liars. Then, friendships turn destructive, lies are told, secrets are buried. Cady desperately seeks to discover the painful truth behind the accident and the family's false facade. 

Thoughts: We Were Liars is a truly remarkable novel.  It is like none I have ever read.  From the first page, the reader is swept into the "perfect" world of the Sinclairs and absorbed by the secrets this privileged family hides.  

Lockhart masterfully crafts vivid characters - Johnny, he is bounce, effort, and snark... Mirren, she is sugar, curiosity, and rain... - and tells a haunting tale that stuns at every turn.  It is tense, atmospheric, exquisite. 

I highly recommend this book to teen and adult readers looking for a captivating, unforgettable story.  And if anyone asks how it ends, LIE!

Read We Were Liars, if you ... 

• are a fan of E.Lockhart 
• enjoy sophisticated, intelligent writing
• like suspense, plot twists, and surprises
• are intrigued with the lives of those who "summer" on islands ;) 
• want to read the book that everyone will be talking about!

Click here to learn more about E. Lockhart and her books.  Click here to hear the author reading an excerpt from We Were Liars.    

Note:  We Were Liars will be released May 13, 2014.  Click here to pre-order a copy!

Jillicious Reading: Crime Capers

What's better than a mix of crime, espionage, high school drama, and romance? These novels have it all! 

A Girl Named Digit 

By Annabel Monaghan 

Summary: Farrah, known as 'Digit' for her superior math intelligence, tries to shed her geek-iness and really enjoy the school social scene her senior year.  Although not quite fitting in, she attempts to run with the 'in' crowd with some success.  However, her year takes a dramatic turn when she notices a series of numbers hidden in a television show.  Her mathematical mind immediately recognizes a code. The code turns out to be that of a terrorist organization planning a deadly attack; Digit suddenly finds herself in the middle of an FBI investigation, a fake kidnapping, and hours of surveillance with a very cute young FBI agent. 

Thoughts: Author Annabel Monaghan delightfully turns a far-fetched premise into a completely believable, charming novel.  Digit is a smart, endearing heroine; she has atypical intelligence but very typical teen feelings of insecurity and wanting to belong. Her honesty, wit and crush on John, the FBI agent in charge of her safety, make for a funny, entertaining adventure.  I've just learned that Disney has optioned A Girl Named Digit for a Disney Channel Movie AND there is a sequel, Double Digit, on the way; I can't wait for her next escapade! 

Also Known As

by Robin Benway

Summary:  Maggie is the daughter of spies. She has spent her life moving from place to place as her parents carry out missions of espionage to stop international crime. She has shown remarkable ability for safe-cracking, and has now been assigned her first solo spy mission! Her task involves enrolling in an elite private school in NYC to befriend the son of a criminal suspect. But, high school is not at all what this first time student expected. And neither is the target of her espionage. 

Thoughts:  Also Known As is a funny, fast-paced novel. The characters are well-developed and interesting, some realistic teens and others the cryptic cast members spy novels are made of.  Unlike Digit who is thrown into the criminal world, Maggie knows no other life; instead she is overwhelmed by the workings of high school and friendships. Robin Benway's Also Known As is a winsome romp into the worlds of international crime, East Coast private school and high school romance.   

These novels will appeal to the many fans of Ally Carter's Gallagher Girls series and her Heist Society series. 

And while we're on the subject, here are a few Ally Carter notes: 
  
-Heist Society has been optioned for a movie by the producers of Pitch Perfect!  

-The Gallagher Girls comes to an end this fall in the sixth volume, United We Spy.  (Sad news, but followed with good news ... )

-Ms Carter is working on a new series called Embassy Row! I dreamed of being an ambassador when I was a kid, so I am super excited about this one.

Last criminal caper idea ...

If these plot lines sound appealing to you but you prefer your crime of the supernatural variety, be sure to check out Kiersten White's Paranormalcy series (click to view my past post on this delightful series).    






So if you are looking for some entertaining reads full of crime, capers and crushes, be sure to add these novels to your list.  They are tons of fun and will leave you itching for your own spy investigations, gadgets and gear!     

Jillicious Reading: The Dark Unwinding

The Dark Unwinding 

by Sharon Cameron 

Summary: Katharine is sent by her domineering aunt and guardian to check on the estate of an uncle she has never known. His mental state is in question, and her aunt wants to seize the estate so that the inheritance will be received by her son. Katharine arrives ready to carry out her aunt's wishes. However, she soon makes several surprising discoveries about her uncle, his estate, and herself that lead her to question her aunt's plans. 

Thoughts: After hearing this author speak at a literary event months ago, I read the first chapter of The Dark Unwinding. Then, I got sidetracked by some other books (typical behavior) and finally got back to it last week. Once I read a little further, I was completely engrossed by this Victorian world. It's written in an atmospheric gothic style and is full of intrigue, mystery, drama, and the most interesting characters! I fell in love with Uncle Tully (who seems to suffer from what we would know today as autism), the silent little Davy, and the handsome, brooding Lane. Also Katharine is a delight as she grows from dutiful, unnoticed girl to a keen, strong, lovely young lady. I am so glad I returned to this novel and eagerly await the sequel A Spark Unseen. 

Read The Dark Unwinding if you ... 

• appreciate the gothic tales of the Brontes or novels inspired by their writing 
• enjoyed Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey 
• like the Steampunk genre or might want to discover what it is!  This novel would be the perfect introduction to the genre's blend of historical settings with scientific advancements. 
• love an engrossing historical tale that sweeps you away to a completely different time and place
• enjoy reading books by promising debut authors. Ms Cameron won the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators' Sue Alexander Award for Most Promising New Work. (Honestly, I didn't know what this was until I heard The Dark Unwinding won it. But, it sounds impressive!! Now, I will be watching to see who wins each year.) 

** Be sure to read the Author's Note to learn about the real Victorian estate that inspired the novel. 

For more about this author and her writing, click here to visit her website. 

Jillicious Reading: Formerly Shark Girl

Formerly Shark Girl
by Kelly Bingham

Summary: Last year Jane lost most of her right arm in a shark attack. The devastation she experienced was intensified by the fact that by taking her hand, the shark crippled her dreams of becoming an artist. 

Now, a year later, Jane is starting her senior year.  Things are becoming more "normal," and she has worked diligently to learn to create art with her other hand. But, where should she go from here?  Should she pursue a life of nursing to help others like those who helped her?  Or, is it possible to still pursue her dream of being an artist?  And, Jane also wonders if a guy will ever see her for more than "the shark girl." 

Thoughts: I loved Shark Girl and was delighted when I heard there was a sequel on the way.  Formerly Shark Girl did not disappoint. Jane's story continues, in Kelly Bingham's lovely verse, as she celebrates progress and victories, but also struggles with decisions about her future.  I love that she reconnects with her art, exploring it in new ways, and that Max reappears with his own struggles (he is definitely a new addition to my list of literary crushes!).  Readers will relate to Jane's struggle to choose a career and to her desire to be defined by more than one incident. 

Read Formerly Shark Girl, if you ... 

• enjoyed Shark Girl
• like novels-in-verse, such as those by Sonya Sones & Lisa Schroeder 
• enjoy stories of teens on journeys of self-discovery, such as those by Sarah Dessen 
• are an art appreciator 
• are trying to (or still trying to!) figure out what you want to be when you grow up! 

Visit Ms. Bingham's website to learn more about the Shark Girl books and Kelly Bingham's writing. And if you are a fan of picture books, check out Ms. Bingham's book Z is for Moose illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky. It is a hoot! 

Jillicious Reading: Going Vintage

Going Vintage
by Lindsey Leavitt

Summary:  When Mallory's boyfriend cheats on her with an online girlfriend, she boldly says goodbye to Jeremy in an online post and then swears off technology.  She is motivated by a list she finds of her grandmother's goals for the year 1962.  But leading a simpler life proves to be pretty complicated ... especially when her family is making her crazy, when technology tempts her at every turn, and when the boy she can't stop thinking about as a potential "steady" is her ex's cousin.   

Thoughts:  I loved Lindsey Leavitt's Sean Griswold's Head so couldn't wait to dive into her new release; and it was a pure delight!  Mallory's story of heartbreak and soul searching is funny, touching, and inspiring.  She reminds us that technology is incredible - especially when doing research on the Industrial Revolution ;) - but can also be highly distracting and keep us from experiencing real relationships and life's simple pleasures.  Her grandmother reminds us that being a teenager is tough in any decade and an unexpected silver lining might exist in even the most difficult of experiences.  And, all the likeable characters remind us that honesty, a sense of humor, figuring out oneself, and accepting others are important in any time period.  

Read Going Vintage if you ... 

• enjoyed Sean Griswold's Head, The Breakup Bible by Melissa Kantor, or Into the Wild Nerd Yonder by Julie Halpern
• are a Stephanie Perkins fan
• have a love hate relationship with technology
• sometimes wish you had been born in a past decade because surely it was simpler!? 
• are looking for a charming teen romance  

Visit Lindsey Leavitt's webpage to learn more about this cute, clever author and her writing. 

Jillicious Reading: The Selection

The Selection
by Kierra Cass

Summary:  America Singer is a "5," a member of one of society's lowest castes.  She is shocked when she is chosen as one of the 35 young ladies to be part of the Selection ... a chance to win the hand of Prince Maxon.  This is a life-changing opportunity for any young girl in the kingdom (and her family), particularly one in a lesser caste.  But, America is already in love.  Aspen is a "6," but she can't imagine herself with anyone else.  For her family's sake, America must at least begin the competition.  She expects to be sent home right away, but is in for a surprise.  Her future may not be quite as decided as she thought ... 

Thoughts:  I was drawn to this book as soon as I saw the cover.  It's fabulous, isn't it??  It's been in my stack for quite a while, and I brought it to the top at the recommendation of an avid 8th grade reader.  The Selection combines elements of dystopia and romance with excessive government control and high family expectations. It's a bit The Bachelor meets Matched with a dash of Divergent.  I love tough heroines like Katniss, Tris, and June (The Hunger Games, Divergent, and Legend), but did enjoy this "girlier' twist on the dystopian novel.  America is still a strong gal; she just appreciates a beautiful dress and a good pair of jeans.  ;)  This is a intriguing read, and the perfect addition to your beach bag this summer!  

Read The Selection if you... 

• enjoyed the Matched or Delirium trilogies
  
• like reality tv
• are a fan of romance novels
• like all things royal and maybe even have pictures of Lady Di and Kate Middleton in your bedroom or on a Pinterest board ;) 
• appreciate gorgeous gowns and beautiful things
• fantasize about living in a palace ... even for just a day!   

Visit Kiera Cass's webpage to read more about The Selection and the sequel The Elite, and visit her Pinterest page to see Selection inspired pins. Fabulous fun!      

Jillicious Reading: Colin Fischer

Colin Fischer

by Ashley Edward Miller and Zack Stentz

Summary:  Colin Fischer has Asperger's. He can't easily read people's expressions or pick up social clues; this makes trying to navigate the new world of high school extremely challenging.  He is immediately targeted by bullies, class clowns, and cruel cliques.  

One day lunch is interrupted when a gun suddenly goes off in the school cafeteria.  Colin's main tormenter, Wayne Connelly, is blamed and suspended for the crime.  Colin isn't convinced Wayne is guilty, however, and sets out to prove his innocence.  His unique vision of the world may be the very perspective needed to see what really happened. 

Thoughts: I was drawn to this novel because it features an unlikely hero and a mystery. In developing an engaging main character and a realistic mystery, Colin Fischer completely succeeds. The text utilizes three writing devices: Colin's first person journal entries, a third person narrative, and footnotes. All blend together to offer a comprehensive perspective on the events as well as the characters' thoughts and motivations. I particularly enjoyed Colin's entries. These offered an authentic view into the Asperger's mind that allows the reader to more deeply understand the thought patterns. Colin's interactions with his family, his brother's resentment, and the teen's dealings with his peers all ring true. I found this to be an intriguing novel featuring an endearing, atypical sleuth you can't help but root for.  I hope there are many more Colin Fischer mysteries on the way!

I heard authors Ashley Miller and Zack Stentz speak at the Texas library conference this spring. What a fascinating pair of guys! These screenwriters met and bonded years ago over Star Trek and have been collaborating ever since on projects such as X-Men, Thor, and Fringe.  Colin Fischer is their first young adult novel.  I found them very interesting and look forward to seeing what they do next on the screen and in young adult literature!

Ashley E. Miller & Zack Stentz - TLA "Defining Different" Panel, 2013

Read Colin Fischer if you ... 

• are a fan of mysteries and enjoyed series like Encyclopedia Brown in your past
• enjoy novels starring differently-wired main characters
• liked The London Eye Mystery, Anything But Typical, and/or The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
• are interested in the the unique ways people tick.

Return to Me

by Justina Chen

Summary:  Nothing is going as Rebecca planned.  She selected a college across the country where she could get away from her parents.  Now her father's job is taking the whole family exactly where she is going.  And, what about Jackson, her amazing boyfriend?  Everyone knows long distance relationships don't work, right?  But before she can even really decide what to do about him, her family is shaken with news that makes Rebecca question absolutely everything.  

Thoughts:  I read an interview with author Justina Chen about the inspiration for the novel and then heard her speak about it in person at a Little, Brown dinner at ALA Midwinter.  In both interview and talk, Ms. Chen eloquently described how she went through a devastating life change but she came through it, the pain and dust ultimately transforming to beautiful stardust.  She penned Return to Me to tell a story of redemption and to remind her children (and readers!) that it is possible for good to come from the bad.  

Return to Me completely succeeds.  It is a powerful story of redemption as well as first loves, expectations, disappointments, and self-discovery.  As in North of Beautiful, Ms.Chen incorporates complex characters, complicated family relationships, the power of art, and the potential to find oneself through new experiences and travels.  This time the art is in the form of architecture (a subject I love!) and the adventure takes place in Hawaii (what's not to love?). 

Read Return to Me if you ... 

• enjoyed North of Beautiful (be watching for some former characters to make a brief appearance!) 
• have an interest in architecture
•  have experienced a painful family conflict
• enjoy stories of first love 

Visit Justina Chen's blog to learn more about Return to Me and this talented author.  

The Tragedy Paper

by Elizabeth LaBan

Summary: Duncan is disappointed when his senior dorm assignment is not only the smallest room on the hall but also the former dorm of the albino loner, Tim Macbeth.  Duncan is surprised to discover that Tim left him a collection of CDs narrating the events from last year - Tim's transfer to The Irving School, his secret romance with Vanessa (the girlfriend of the most popular guy at Irving), and the one night everyone is trying so desperately to forget. 

Thoughts:  A boarding school, a senior thesis, secrets and forbidden love ... I was sold on the premise alone, and, once I began, couldn't put it down. The Tragedy Paper is a smart teen novel that tells two parallel stories.  Duncan's senior year experiences and romance are played out alongside Tim's retelling of events from the previous year.  The alternating points of view are well-crafted and add intrigue and depth to the story.  The isolated boarding school, the cold winter, and Tim's honest narration give the novel a captivating, melancholy mood, somehow feeling both contemporary and historical. Readers will stay engaged through the end wanting to know how things ultimately play out and will likely be surprised by the outcome.  The familiar subjects of teen love, heartbreak, and the need for acceptance are freshly explored in this compelling debut novel.  

Read The Tragedy Paper if you ...

• enjoy books set in boarding schools
• like books about inspiring teachers
• are a fan of John Green
• enjoyed Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why
• have ever felt like an outsider
  
• prefer your realistic young adult fiction with some depth & intrigue
• enjoy discover exciting new authors. 

Click here to read an interview with author Elizabeth LaBan by popular adult author Jennifer Weiner. 

Bomb: The Race to Build - and Steal- the World's Most Dangerous Weapon

by Steve Sheinkin

Summary:  "In December of 1938, a chemist in a German laboratory made a shocking discovery: when placed next to radioactive material, a uranium atom split in two." This launched a worldwide race to be the first nation to create the world's first atomic bomb.  Scientists, spies, dictators, revolutionaries, and military leaders all played a part in the race for military world domination.  

Thoughts:  This nonfiction book is truly fascinating.  Admittedly, I didn't know very much about the development of the bomb; I was completely intrigued by this account of all that took place in multiple nations around the world.  I was particularly interested in the Norwegian resistance.  The narrative was extremely engaging - both interesting and sobering.  Nonfiction has come a long way in recent years, and this book is a prime example of how readable and appealing it can be.  The book was a 2012 National Book Award Young People's Literature Finalist and will likely - and deservedly - earn many additional honors. 

 

Read Bomb, if you ... 

• are interested in WWII
• enjoy exciting stories involving spies and intrigue
• have an interest in science 
• like true stories from history

Visit author Steve Sheinkin's website to learn more about his writing and his newest book, Lincoln's Grave Robbers.

The Fire Horse Girl

by Kay Honeyman

Summary: Jade Moon was born under the sign of the Fire Horse.  This sign is a curse for Chinese girls ensuring that they are too spirited and strong willed.  As Jade Moon's family worries about who will marry her, she dreams of a different life where she will not be married off and won't always be an embarrassment to her father.  An unexpected turn of events takes Jade Moon to America where her cursed strong spirit may be exactly what she needs to survive.      

Thoughts:  The Fire Horse Girl is a well-researched, beautifully written historical novel.  Feisty Jade Moon is an endearing character with a compelling story; she quickly won my heart.  I knew very little about the Angel Island  internment and the plight of the Chinese immigrants during this time.  Honeyman gives us a vivid, authentic picture of this experience through the eyes a memorable teen.

Read The Fire Horse Girl if you ...

• like stories about plucky heroines 
• enjoy reading about characters who must find the strength and courage to overcome adversity
• have ever felt that you don't quite fit in
• like books about Asian culture and history
• relish finding books by exciting new authors!  

Mrs. Honeyman's story is an interesting one.  She became fascinated with Chinese immigration while going through the process of adopting a son from China.  Visit her blog to read more about her journey and her writing. 

Full disclosure:  Author Kay Honeyman is a co-worker and a friend.  Yet I choose to spotlight her novel strictly because it is a lovely piece of historical fiction for young adults.  

Slayers

by C.J. Hill

Summary:   Tori has always had a fascination and fear of dragons.  When she learns about a dragon camp, she decides to give it a try.  Maybe she'll find some others who share this strange obsession.  But, the discoveries she makes are beyond her wildest imagination.       

Thoughts:  This book was a huge surprise to me!  I wasn't too intrigued by the cover and so kept moving it to the bottom of my reading stack.  I finally picked it up, read a few pages, and was totally hooked!  Tori has led a privileged life as the daughter of a senator, and the other campers have low expectations for her when she arrives.  Her development is interesting and believable; the challenges she faces and the other plot twists and turns keep the reader reading!  This novel has a unique premise and offers a bit of everything ... action, fantasy, suspense, and romance.  
 
Read Slayers if you: 

• enjoyed Firelight by Sophie Jordan or Oh.My.Gods by Tera Lynn Childs
• like paranormal romance but are looking for something other than vampires
• are interested in dragons
• like your fantasy light and blended with the modern world   

C.J.Hill is a pseudonym for author Janette Rallison, a realistic fiction author.  She is writing under the new name since she is now writing in a different genre.  I love that!  Visit her websites to read more about her and her writing as C.J. Hill or as Janette Rallison. 


    

Second Chance Summer

by Morgan Matson

Summary:  Taylor's family is stunned when her father is diagnosed with cancer and given only months to live.  Her father decides he would like them to spend one last summer together at their old lake house.  Taylor, who has a habit of running away from challenges, mistakes, and pain, is now forced to deal with her father's illness as well as face old friends she wronged in the past.

Thoughts:  Second Chance Summer is a compelling teen novel with a little bit of everything ... grief, growing up,relationships, and first love.  Taylor's feelings of insecurity, fear, and not-standing-out  (even in her own family) are realistic and relatable.  Author Morgan Matson pulls the reader right into Taylor's journey as she reconnects with her father and siblings and also faces the typical teen challenges of broken friendships and a broken heart.  Her voice is strong and funny making her a character that is easy to root for.  Add Second Chance Summer to your beach bag ... along with a few tissues!

Read Second Chance Summer if you:

• enjoy books about summer romance
• are a fan of Morgan Matson's first novel Amy & Roger's Epic Detour
• are a fan of books by Sarah Dessen and Jenny Han
• are looking for a good novel about grief and loss 
• like a few tears with your reads

Click here to read more about the author Morgan Matson and her books. 

Jillicious Healthy Bites: Biography

Steve Jobs: The Man Who Thought Different

by Karen Blumenthal

This is an excellent biography of the fascinating Steve Jobs.  Author Karen Blumenthal skillfully shows the complexities of Jobs' personality, including his incredible creativity and drive as well as his explosive behavior.  I found the book to be absolutely captivating, from Jobs' early life, the beginning days of Apple, his later troubles with the company, and then his triumphant return.  The story behind the various Apple models, iPod, iPhone, advertising campaigns, and even the distinctive Apple packaging are so interesting.  I devoured this book, and that's not something I often say about biographies!  

Read Steve Jobs: The Man Who Thought Different if you: 

• enjoy biographies
• don't enjoy biographies!
• are a passionate Apple fan or own any Apple product
• are interested in strong personalities and those who "think different"
• like (true!) stories about second chances

Visit Karen Blumenthal's blog to learn more about her, this biography, and nonfiction writing.